Hope/comfort service: 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, First Presbyterian Church, 22 W. High St., Ballston Spa. A service of comfort and hope during the holiday season with scripture, prayer, music and candle lighting. All are welcome. 885-5583.

NARFE Chapter 1932 meeting: 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, Sam's Cafe, at the outlets in Queensbury. Holiday get-together with grab bag of small gifts. Men should bring a gift suitable for men and women bring a gift for women. $12, all active and retired federal and postal employees invited. Next meeting in March. 581-8292.

Toiletry drive: Through Friday, Dec. 14, Southern Saratoga YMCA will be collecting items such as facial tissues, toilet paper, shampoo/conditioner, toothpaste/toothbrushes, deodorant, lip balm, soap, first-aid kits, batteries, flashlights, etc. All items collected are distributed to families of students in the Running Start program who are currently on the free and reduced lunch program for the local school district. 371-2139, ext. 5527.

Children's book reading/signing: 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, Impressions of Saratoga Springs, 368 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Vicki Addesso-Dodd will be signing her new book, "I Love You Daddy, I Love You More." Addesso-Dodd will start signing books at 3 p.m., with a reading at 4:30 p.m. Books will be available as well as treats for children. 225-2982.

Annual holiday cookie sale: 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, Galway United Methodist Church, Ballston Road and Route 147, Galway. $8 per pound and the sale will continue until sold out. Craft items also will be available for purchase. 882-6520.

Educational broadcast: "Live from 92nd Street Y," 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16, Congregation Shaara Tfille, 84 Weibel Ave., Saratoga Springs. This week's program will begin with a catered dinner followed by a Community Interfaith panel. $5 per person and open to the public. Reservations were due by Tuesday, Dec. 11 to Carole, 584-2370 or saratogajcc@verizon.net

A Christmas Cantata: "Journey of Promises," 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16, Mechanicville United Methodist Church, North Main Street, Mechanicville. Written by Joseph Martin and directed by David Johnson. Free will donation appreciated. Lee, 664-7958.

Children's Christmas pageant: Sunday, Dec. 16, St. Peter Lutheran Church, 2776 U.S. 9, Malta. Children's Christmas pageant to be presented at the 10:30 a.m. service. Traditional readings and carols. Following the service, tree will be decorated and after a pizza lunch, visitors will proceed to the Home of the Good Shepherd to sing carols with the residents. 583-4153.

Monday, Dec. 17

Holiday concert: "Lesson and Carols," 7:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 17-18, Christ Church, corner of Route 50 (Church Ave.) and Route 67 (West High St.), Ballston Spa. Featuring folk singers John Kirk and Trish Miller of Greenfield Center and special guest Mark Murphy, and includes Field Horne and Kristin McCabe of Saratoga Springs and Theresa Bruno of Ballston Spa. Free and takes place by candlelight. All are invited, refreshments to follow. 885-1031.

Ballston Senior Citizens New Year's Eve Dance: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 31, Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Road, Ballston Spa. Dance to music of "The Peaceful Country Band". Public is welcome. $10, free for members of the Ballston Area Senior Citizens. 885-6740 on Thursdays for more information.

Seeking 55 and over volunteers: The Saratoga County Office for the Aging is in need of volunteers to assist with the senior nutrition program. This opportunity is located at the Saratoga Adult and Senior Center, 5 William St., Saratoga Springs. Duties include serving meals to seniors and assisting with various kitchen duties. Volunteers needed 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. 884-4110.

Holiday program for seniors: "Be Santa to a Senior," through Friday, Dec. 21. Home Instead Senior Care has teamed up with non-profit agencies and area retailers for this program that collects, wraps and delivers gifts to lonely and needy seniors in Saratoga, Washington and Warren counties. www.beasantatoasenior.com. 580-1042.

Call for entries for Saratoga Arts annual members' show: One submission per artist is permitted which encourages a wide variety of media, styles and subjects. Artwork delivery date is Monday, Nov. 12. For more information, contact Elizabeth Dubben, edubben@saratoga-arts.org or 584-4132, ext. 204.

Taylor's Heroes seeking applicants: Nonprofit Taylor's Heroes seeks applicants ages 12 to 18 who are looking to get in shape. If selected, applicants join a free three-month program that includes an overall fitness class, the ability to try new sports of their choice and the chance to learn valuable nutrition information from experts in the community. www.taylorsheroes.org or 894-1658.

Soroptimist Club seeks applicants for three awards: The Women's Opportunity Award, Violet Richardson Award and Ruby Award are given by the club each year to celebrate the efforts of women in Saratoga County who are working to improve their lives or the lives of others. Applications and more information available at www.soroptimistsaratoga.org or by contacting Joan Gerhardt, 584-0106 or joan.gerhardt@behancom.com. Applications must be returned by Saturday, Dec. 1.

Community service opportunities: The Shenendehowa Adults Community Center, 6 Clifton Commons, Clifton Park is always looking for volunteers to assist with everything from basic cleaning to event organization to clerical work. 383-1343.

Art program: "Art in Public Places," throughout Oct. and Nov., Senior Citizens Center of Saratoga Springs, 5 Williams St., Saratoga Springs. As part of the Saratoga Arts Center's program, the Center welcomes artist Stu Eichel, whose paintings of Saratoga scenes will be displayed in the community room. 584-1621.

Medical equipment available: The Moreau Community Center, 144 Main St., South Glens Falls, has walkers, commodes, crutches and other assistive devices available at no cost. 792-6007.

Adolescent program: "Mindfulness Adolescent Program," a ten-week educational program for adolescents, age 12-18. Helps improve social skills, self-esteem and other coping methods. 581-3180, ext. 307 for full information. www.oneroofsaratoga.com.

Family story time: 10:30 a.m. every Wednesday, Troy Public Library, 100 Second St., Troy. 274-7071. www.thetroylibrary.org.

Family story time: 10:30 a.m. every Friday, Troy Library's Lansingburgh Branch, 114th St. and 4th Ave., Lansingburgh. 235-5310 or www.thetroylibrary.org.

Holiday fundraiser: "Empty Stocking Project," open through Saturday, Dec. 1. Project provides holiday gifts and necessities to children and teens in Saratoga County. To become a member of the Saratoga County Children's Committee or to sponsor a child, call 448-5120. Cash donations are also accepted and may be sent to: The Saratoga County Children's Committee, P.O. Box 1254, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Saratoga Arts seeking volunteers: Volunteers needed in various capacities. Access an application form at www.saratoga-arts.org/opportunities or pick one up at The Arts Center, 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. 584-4132.

Historical exhibit: "One Room School Houses in the Town of Malta," Malta Branch of the Round Lake Library, 31 Wesley Ave., Round Lake. Items on display include photographs and archival documents from Brookside's collection and Malta Town Historian's office. 899-2285.

Program for grieving children: The Community Hospice of Saratoga offering a three-week support group for children in kindergarten through grade 8 who have experienced the death of someone significant in their lives. The Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs. 581-0800.

Children's Story Hour: 10 a.m. every Wednesday and Thursday, Schuylerville Public Library, 52 Ferry St., Schuylerville. All are invited to attend. Crafts and snacks to follow the stories. 695-6641.

Vendors needed for Button Bonanza: To be held at the Knights of Columbus, Saturday, Nov. 3. Buttons and button related items and crafts only. Kirsti at 869-8125 or Kathy, 393-3156.

American Legion Fundraiser: The American Legion Post 278, 6 Clancy St., Schuylerville has a metal dumpster in their parking lot for collecting metals for recycling. Donate iron, copper, aluminum, tin cans, or old appliances. 695-3011.

Saratoga County Office for the Aging seeks volunteers: Volunteers in the Saratoga Springs area for a Home Delivered Meal Program to help homebound seniors. Volunteers transport and deliver meals Monday to Friday between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 884-4100 or 363-4020.

Want to Get Published?: Galway Community Library seeking poems, photos, drawings and more for the book "The Galway Community in Images, Words and Sounds." Details and submission guidelines, galwaypubliclibrary.org.